The Ins And Outs Of Online Gaming In Australia

Despite being essentially illegal, the online gambling industry in Australia is exploding – making it a promising market for casino affiliates. In this series of articles, we’ll look at how the Australian gambling market is structured, what current legislative concerns exist and finally, what the best opportunities are for casino affiliates in the Australian market.

For starters, it’s important to keep in mind that gambling in Australia generally takes on one of three forms: pokies, sports betting and online gambling. Let’s look at each of these in more detail:

Pokies – Pokies are the physical slot machines found in nearly every bar or pub in Australia (although online versions of the game are becoming more prominent as well). It is estimated that these machines are so popular that the average Australian sets aside close to $1,000 per year towards gaming on pokies.

Sports betting – Sports betting is legal – and actually, extremely popular – in Australia, with betting odds being announced before and during most sporting events, including football, rugby, cricket and horse racing. Although pending anti-gambling legislation may reduce the presence of this type of betting, it currently remains a big revenue generator for casino affiliates.

Online gambling - Other forms of online gambling (most prominently, online poker) are banned in Australia as a result of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001; however, because the penalties apply only to the gambling provider (not the player) and because the Australian government has been unwilling to actually assess penalties, online gambling remains a booming market in Australia.

“And while online sports betting is legal, Australians are also spending an estimated $1 billion a year playing online casino games and poker, which are untaxed, unregulated and potentially subject to criminal charges.”

But despite these legal challenges, there’s definitely a market for casino affiliates in Australia – especially if, as some reports predict, the country were to suddenly legalize all internet gambling to boost tax revenues and employment rates. In its recent “Online Gaming: A Gamble or a Sure Bet?” report, research firm KMPG claims:

“While it is difficult to predict political and legislative action, many markets that now ban online gaming could easily change their laws as a means of authorizing what is now an underground economy and increasing tax revenues from Australia casino gambling providers.”

To understand more about the Australian casino market and to uncover potential areas of opportunity for casino affiliates, click on the “Next” button below for more great CAP resources on internet gambling in Australia.